ArborMotion

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

The Cost of Doing, or Not Doing Regular Maintenance

Does it really save you money to do regular maintenance? Will it keep more money in your pocket, and your vehicle on the road longer?

Annual Cost of Operation

When it comes to owning a vehicle, one number you’ll often see is the “annual cost of operation”. This is an estimate of what your regular maintenance will cost each year. It usually includes things like oil changes and filter changes, as well as an estimate on the cost of fuel based on average driving habits.

Caring for your Vehicle

Regular interval oil changes, brakes, and keeping your wheels aligned all add up in your favor. Standard manufacturer recommended maintenance keeps you on the road, and allows you to arrive at your destination as intended. It also gives you peace of mind, especially when the weather is too cold for comfort. No one wants to be stranded, especially when the ambient temperature are below freezing! Keeping your vehicle in good health saves you both time and money in the long run.

Cost of Neglect

If you don’t do regular maintenance, you’re throwing money away! Not doing regular maintenance, like standard oil changes and mileage based maintenance services, can severely impact your fuel mileage as well as cause premature engine wear. With fuel prices up, and the added time of warming up your engine during the cold months, everything you can do to preserve your fuel mileage matters!

To learn more about maintenance schedule guidelines, visit our website!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your vehicle to ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! At ArborMotion, we care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call ArborMotion for domestic and European auto repair at 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!

Pay Attention to Your Check Engine Light!

What is your Check Engine Light trying to tell you? It could indicate a wide array of problems, from low fluid levels to a catastrophic engine failure. How do you know what is causing it to light up?

Many people know about “code readers” that repair shops and auto parts supply shops use. What most aren’t aware of is that the codes are just a starting point.

What’s a person to do with that pesky check engine light?

If you’re feeling handy, have the code read by a digital reader, so you know what general area is causing the a problem. Or skip this step and move right to step two.
Schedule your diagnosis appointment with us or give us a call to talk through any issues your vehicle is having.
Bring your vehicle in for a diagnosis appointment and we’ll tell you what’s happening, and what it will take to fix the issue! You’ll even get a written estimate, so you can see the cost before any repair work begins.

Sometimes the Check Engine light is a minor issue and a quick fix. But sometimes it can be an indication that something big is brewing under your hood. The quicker you get it diagnosed, the quicker you can get it solved so you can be back on the road.

To learn more about maintenance schedule guidelines to avoid check engine lights, visit our website!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Monday, January 3, 2022

Winter Maintenance You Can DIY

When it comes to winter driving, everything you do to keep your vehicle in top-notch condition matters. There’s a handful of little things you can do to keep your vehicle running smoothly, even when it’s cold.

These simple and important maintenance things include:

Check your windshield wipers and make sure they’re in good shape. If you see streaking – or you notice that water droplets aren’t clearing from your windshield – it’s time to replace your wipers. You can visually inspect the rubber on the blades, too. If they’re cracked or there’s bits of rubber missing, it’s time for a new set.
Check your tires regularly. There shouldn’t be any cracking or fraying. Use a tire gauge to check your tire pressure and keep them inflated based on your vehicle recommendations (this is found on a sticker on the frame where your driver’s side door closes). Check your treads using the penny test, and if you can see Lincoln’s head, you need new tires asap!
Keep your gas tank full. In bad weather, it may take longer to get where you're going, and you want to make it all the way there. Plus, you don't want gas to freeze in the line!
Check all your exterior lights. Having a headlight, brake light, or blinker out could mean you’re harder to see on the road, which could cause issues.

As always, prevention is easier than fixing a major issue after it occurs. Taking care of the little things and scheduling regular maintenance for your vehicle will keep you happily rolling along even when it’s chilly.

Learn more about the basics of winter maintenance for your Asian or European vehicle here.

Schedule Winter Maintenance on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Is Your Battery Still Good?

When was the last time you replaced the battery in your car? Is it going to keep you rolling through the rest of the winter and beyond?

Vehicle Batteries Last for About Four Years

We ask a lot of our batteries, and when they give out, we’re stuck. Regardless of your vehicle, you have at least one battery (or more!) that you depend on to get you where you’re headed. Extreme temperatures can cause the chemicals in your battery to evaporate or separate, which decreases the lifespan of the battery. Shorter trips, lots of starting of the engine (this is when the battery draw is most significant), and long periods without being used and recharged by the alternator, all shorten your battery’s lifespan.

Signs It’s Time for a New Battery

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to start shopping for a new battery:

You realize it’s been at least four years since you replaced the battery
Corrosion on the terminals
Staining anywhere on the battery box, indicating a potential leak
Longer than “normal” start times in the winter
Issues with the sound system
Dimming headlights
Sluggish engine cranking

Your battery is the linchpin that gets your vehicle started day after day. If you aren’t sure how long you’ve had your battery, or how much longer it will last, you can always schedule a battery load test and we can give you a good idea of your battery health!

Learn more about the basics of winter maintenance for your Asian or European vehicle here.

Schedule Winter Maintenacne on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Winter Daily Driving Dos and Don’ts

We’ve all thought it before as we drive during Michigan winters: “Has that person ever driven in the snow?!”

There are a few important things to remember as you set out on the road so you aren’t one of the people others are questioning.

Slow down

We all know it’s important to slow down when the roads are slick, but that’s not just your rolling speed. Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can gently brake when you need to. This will help you avoid an accident. Being gentle with your acceleration can also help increase your traction and control.

Clear those windows

It’s hard to see without clearing your windows properly. Clearing your windows all the way around your vehicle is so important! Even on frigid cold mornings when you’re tempted to skip it, removing ice and snow gives you the best ability to see what’s happening around you, so you can respond quickly. For those vehicles that come with an automatic start, setting your controls to defrost can help start the clearing process before you have to scrape.

Fill your fluids

Check your fluid levels before the weather starts getting cold and pay close attention to your anti-freeze and your oil since those two are heavy-duty workers in the winter. Other good ideas include using windshield wiper fluid that’s rated for cold weather – you don’t want that to freeze – and keeping your gas tank at least half-full to prevent that from freezing in the lines.

To ensure you get where you're going safely this winter, read more here!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

How Do You Deal with Black Ice?

Have you ever hit black ice while driving in the winter? Are you aware of how to keep your vehicle under control when dealing with black ice?

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on bridges, overpasses, and along shady spots of the road. Black ice is clear, making it difficult to see, which makes it very dangerous.

As you travel on snowy and icy roadways, here are a few ways you can handle black ice:

Keep your steering wheel as straight as possible. It’s much easier to coast over an icy patch if you’re going straight and not turning your wheel.
Contrary to your first inclination, don’t brake! Braking can cause your car to slip and slide out of control, especially if you hit your brakes hard.
Let your foot come off the accelerator pedal to slow your speed. Black ice is one of the biggest reasons to leave extra space between you and cars in front of you - you need room to safely slow down.

Black ice is often a just patch on the roadway, typically less than 20 feet (approximately the length of a standard SUV). By maintaining focus and controlling your steering and deceleration, you should be able to slowly glide over patches of potentially dangerous black ice and arrive at your destination without incident.

To ensure you get where you're going safely this winter, read more here!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Monday, November 1, 2021

Prevention is cheaper than a cure!

Have you ever put off a small task only to have it turn into a bigger project? Are you up to date on your mileage-based maintenance on your vehicle? If not, you should be!

Regular maintenance saves you money

Having your ArborMotion mechanic inspect your vehicle during your oil changes and mileage- based services will allow them to find tiny leaks or suspicious noises before those things turn into bigger jobs. Repairing small jobs is much faster and simpler!

Mileage-based maintenance is more than just oil changes

Mileage-based maintenance is just what it sounds like - factory recommended services to have done, based on the miles on your odometer. Common services include radiator flushes, brake line flushes and filter replacements.

The bottom line

Vehicles are complicated machines. They need regular care to perform at their peak. Having a single mechanic keeping your car in good working order means that they get to know you, your vehicle, and your driving style. They’ll be able to give you the best recommendations for your specific needs. And, they’ll make sure the cost of care is as low as possible by performing preventative maintenance.